Hello Scaredmummyof2, 

As you are really worried about what this growth looks like and you feel it looks different from hemorrhoids, the best way to get reassurance on this is to go back to see your GP about it. Don't feel shy about showing them the growth as they will be used to it on a daily basis and you can ask to see a lady doctor if you feel more comfortable. You could mention that you are worried as it looks different. Try not to worry too much about the photos you have seen online - looking things up online often has this effect and makes us anticipate the worst when really there are so many other things it could be other than anal cancer especially given your history of hemorrhoids after having children. As you mentioned, having children can also cause rectoceles and other prolapse issues which can present as a bulge so it's important to mention all this to your doctor and get a thorough examination. Do talk to your GP about your fears though and it's a good idea to also have these other symptoms you described evaluated given that they have made you go to A & E recently. 

I hope that you will hear from other forum members who have also experienced a similar bulge before and that they will be along shortly to share their experiences with you. 

Fingers crossed that it turns out to be nothing of concern and that you find out very soon what is causing this bulge.

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thank you for kindly replying Lucie.

Since posting, I spoke to a virtual GP who said the growth did look weird (showed photo on video), she advised me to see someone face to face to get it investigated. I saw two different local GPs, one said hemorrhoids, the other doctor wasn't sure but said maybe piles. I booked to see a private GP and she said maybe rectal prolapse. 

I have been physically examined by all three doctors and have been told that there are many lumps, one even said grape sized lumps. 
 

I have been trying to push the lumps back into my bum but the minute I do I can feel it bulging back out again.

My lower back is also in agony.

I am starting to feel depressed and scared, none of the doctors seem to know what it is and/or passing it off as just piles/hemoorhoids. I looked up rectal prolapse and mine looks nothing like it, she then referred me back to my local GP.

I don't know what to do and feel so helpless. I fear if it is something sinister then I'm just wasting so much time bouncing from different GPs.

I tried to book myself a private MRI scan but I was confused with which scan was appropriate to determine something like anal cancer:

- MRI Pelvis MSK

- MRI Pelvis Gynaecological 

- MRI Pelvis SIJ

- MRI Bowel

When I enquired Vista Health, they said I would need a referral letter to be scanned in those areas :(

Do you know which test would be the most appropriate to rule out anything sinister?

Thanks. 

Hello Sacredmummyof2, 

So sorry you have been getting no further clarity on this. It must be really stressful for you. If the GPs are not sure what it is, perhaps you could suggest to them that they refer you to a specialist and discuss with your doctor whether they could give you a referral letter to have further tests if they think it's necessary. 

I am afraid I am not a medical expert myself and would not be able to advise you but you can find out more on our website about the process of getting diagnosed with anal cancer.  There is also a section on tests required for anal cancer. Do bear in mind though that anal cancer is very rare whereas hemorrhoids and other anal conditions are very common so don't get too worried about what would be the least likely scenario. I can understand though why you need some definite answers which is why it would be worth going back for yet another opinion and to discuss whether they think you need a referral to see a specialist. 

Everything crossed for you that it all turns out to be fine 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi,I've been diagnosed with Anal Cancer,I thought I had bleeding hemoroids,or after reading Dr Google polyps,the symptoms didn't go away,so I visited my GP,she gave me a rectal exam,asked me lots of questions,sent me to another room for full bloods,and put me on a fast track referral (suspected colon/rectal cancer)in the next two weeks I had CT(abnormal)and MRI(abnormal)I had stool tests(I was due one this year my last one was 2 years ago (clear)that was showed blood in both samples.My visit to the GP was Jan 20th.On March 13th I went for colonoscopy which they did (but couldn't take sample due to bleeding)so a week later I saw a consultant who explained the situation,and they would do under anesthetic as a day patient.Finally April 24th I have my biopsy.Two weeks later I haven't heard so I phone them.I could go in and have a face to face,but I was more than happy to hear over the phone..Anal Cancer was diagnosed,quite a shock but I was prepared for bad news.No operation because it's low down ,but five weeks radiotherapy (every day Mon to Fri) and possibly chemo along side it not done at my local hospital so I have quite a journey.Now this is my anxious part ,I was told I'd hear in a week after being discussed at an EDT?meeting ,if I hadn't heard to phone my contact at my hospital,I phoned but they had no information.So had to wait another week,same thing no info,but my contact chased it up still no info,so she's contacted my consultant ,as it's bank holiday she's promised to phone me on Tuesday,to let me know what's happening.Since talking to my contact I've learnt to ASK (I asked had it gone elsewhere?)my back as been aching,NO it hasn't but my CT showed nobules on my lungs (undetermined)and I would probably have another scan at some point to check no change (could be inflammation,)quite common apparently.The point is if you want to know ASK,or I'm pretty sure they don't tell you.My last phone call was Friday my contact phoned me 8pm so I know she was really trying to get info on my treatment date.A person in this chat subject asked me what stage(I didn't have a clue it was never discussed with me)All I knew was the mass is 4.5cm.,so I ASKED it's T3 NI ?which she kinda explained,but I looked it up ,So that's me up to date hopefully I'll hear on Tuesday,My only worry is if my colonoscopy had been successful March 13 ,I'd probably be having my treatment now,so don't expect things to move quickly,it's been5 weeks from my biopsy,on a positive note I've had two iron infusions ,which I do believe have made a difference(just weeded all my garden)my energy is back,and since my biopsy I haven't been bleeding much when I have a bowel movement.I was advised to take Movicol sachets(stool softener)I bought the plain ones and take one in the evening(I experimented on different times of day ,we are all different)so usually 12 hours later I go to the toilet easily ,so that's probably helped.

I hope all goes well for you any worries or questions ask,I'll keep posting my progress 

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